Saban trying to use draft as lesson

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

IAN R. RAPOPORT

News staff writer

TALLADEGA - University of Alabama coach Nick Saban believes
three seniors from his 2007 team could have been drafted by
an NFL team. He also believes that receiver DJ Hall,
cornerback Simeon Castille, and defensive end Wallace
Gilberry will have a real opportunity for a pro career.

But he said there is a lesson available.

"It's a message for our players that are there
right now," said Saban, about the first draft since
1970 that did not feature an Alabama player.
"Consistency in performance is very important.
Everything you do - on the field and off the field - is a
part of your resume."

Saban spoke to reporters before he addressed a crowd of
570 Tuesday in the Crimson Caravan, a seven-city tour of the
region, at Talladega Superspeedway. Two days after his three
Southeastern-Conference players went undrafted, Saban said
he felt for them.

"I know how much it means to them," Saban said.
"And from the program standpoint, it does us well if we
have a lot of guys drafted and guys drafted high."

Instead, Gilberry and Hall signed free-agent contracts
with the Giants, while Castille signed on with the Bengals.
Agent Ed Rowan, who represents Gilberry and Hall, said he
was "shocked."

But Hall and Castille had each battled off-the-field
issues, then worked to create a positive image at draft
time.

Saban used it as a teaching point. To the former Miami
Dolphins coach, it was an introduction into the real world.

"This is business," he said.

The players drafted early every year have talent, he said,
but they've also "done things right" and
developed a sound reputation off the field. He wanted his
program to develop similar players in the future.

"Because they find out from a business standpoint," Saban said, "that's the kind of character people want to represent their organization. So, maybe that can be a positive lesson for us."...